Tuesday, December 8, 2015

14. Steadfast
vs. Stubborn

Terrence had
played running back at Howard in the 80s, and then served eight years as a
Marine Corp officer. He was a full professor at a local college, teaching
history. Two months earlier he’d fallen
while rock climbing, dislocating his hip and breaking his elbow. He’d become addicted to painkillers.

“Do you know
the difference between steadfast and stubborn?” he asked DUI Dave. No response.
“Someone steadfast stands up for a principle, refusing to move. We say
steadfast if that principle is right, just, even noble. Stubborn people refuse to budge for no good
reason, or for selfish, even stupid reasons.” Terrence paused, waiting for a
response, but DUI Dave refused to even look at him. “You’re being stubborn.”